Kathy Stielsa

We are starting to see a new term for massage chairs growing in use. Manufacturers are now calling their massage chairs zero gravity. But what actually does zero gravity mean? I certainly don’t expect to be floating weightless in a massage chair. Although, the concept of a floating chair sounds quite intriguing to me. We will explore what is meant by a zero gravity massage chair.

Zero gravity is a special place. It is a place where there is no pull of gravity from any nearby objects. Every object in the universe that contains mass also has the force of gravity. Gravity is an attractive force which pulls other objects closer to it. If you are beyond the gravitational range of any other objects in the universe, then you are in zero gravity.

We can only associate zero gravity with pictures we see of astronauts floating. We see them spray in the air and it just continues in the same direction. There doesn’t seem to be any direction up or down.

So where did we go from zero gravity to a zero gravity chair? This is actually a technical solution for astronauts to physically overcome. When they are shot up in a rocket, the force of gravity is multiplied. This puts tremendous stress on the body at the very beginning of the mission. The astronauts must withstand the forces and stresses required to escape from the Earth’s gravitational pull.

When a rocket is shot into space, there are tremendous forces which astronauts must be able to absorb. NASA soon found that reclining the astronaut parallel to the Earth’s surface minimized the force put on the body. They found that under the force of takeoff this reclined position better distributed the forces across their body. This enabled them to more easily absorb these forces during takeoff.

One of the critical breakthroughs for the astronauts was assuming what later became known as the zero gravity position. Normally, the rocket would be standing straight up and the astronaut would be sitting in a reclined position parallel to the earth. It was found that this position would better distribute the astronauts weight during the forces of takeoff.

The key to the success of the zero gravity position was that it better distributed the forces of takeoff across the astronauts body. Other positions found that these forces could concentrate leading to potential problems. It is important that blood flow continues normal and does not get bogged down by a concentration of force.

You can select from quite an assortment of zero gravity massage chairs. These recliners may use two different elements from the zero gravity chairs. They may recline you back to better distribute your weight across your back relieving concentration of forces in a particular area. Another element may be reclining so that your legs are slightly above your heart.

There are some zero gravity massage chairs which are for better balancing of weight. I reclining back, the weight is spread across the area in contact with the recliner. This helps to remove concentration of forces which can cause discomfort. This is thought to be a very relaxing position.

Some zero gravity recliners can elevate the legs slightly above the heart. This has the additional benefit of reducing swelling and improving blood flow to the region. It is common medical practice to elevate their part of the body to reduce swelling. This can also be accomplished by lying flat and elevating the body part as well.

So there you have it, the mystery to zero gravity massage chairs has been revealed. Many people who have tried these zero gravity chairs say they enjoy this position. Others have not been so impressed. It is really a matter of opinion as to what may be of benefit to you. Check out some of these latest zero gravity massage chairs and see what you think.

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